On July 21, 2026, the U.S. Department of Energy – DOE and the U.S. Department of Labour – DOL signed an MOU defining a framework to speed up the adoption of AI, automation, advanced sensors and various other emerging technologies throughout the mining industry of the country.
The 5-year agreement will enhance federal partnership to drive mining advancement, increase worker safety, boost efficiency, and promote safe local manufacturing of critical minerals. The security and economic future of America depend on building a robust domestic mining sector, opines Chris Wright, the U.S. Secretary of Energy. He adds that “By pairing the Energy Department’s technical expertise with the Labor Department’s leadership on mine safety, we can support American miners, secure domestic supply chains, and put cutting-edge technology to work for the people who power our nation.”
As per Keith Sonderling, the acting secretary of labour, “Today’s agreement ensures that the Department of Labor and the Department of Energy will work side by side to prepare the mining workforce, advance mining technology, and support the safe production of the coal that powers America’s future. It is our commitment to you that this MOU will further President Trump’s promise to restore coal as a key driver of America’s energy supply chain, and American coal will again be the envy of the world for generations to come.”
According to the agreement, the Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office – HGEO of the DOE and the Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation – CMEI will work together with the Mine Safety and Health Administration – MSHA of the DOL so as to exchange non-proprietary data, research and technical knowledge in favour of the installation of next-generation mining technologies.
It is worth noting that the partnership will be focused on –
– Accelerating Joint Research and Development – Undertaking joint research, assessment, and demonstration projects that comprise AI, automation, and advanced sensors, as well as other technologies that further drive mining advancement.
– Using Federal Expertise – Collaborating with multidisciplinary groups at the National Energy Technology Laboratory Coal Center of Excellence by the DOE in order to expedite technology advancement and implementation.
– Improve Mine Safety – Use advanced technologies to improve hazard recognition, minimise mining accidents, and improve disaster preparedness and response time.
– Workforce Development Facilitation – Foreseeing the future requirements of the workforce and backing opportunities for training and education that provide miners with the abilities necessary for progressively technology-orientated operations.
– Improving Data Access and Digitization – Collaborate with stakeholders to digitize legacy mining data and enhance public datasets that facilitate the characterization of local mineral resources, such as those located on federally managed property.